Jeter Ties Another Yankees Record

In the second inning of last night's game, history was made. It occurred with one out, with Brett Gardner on second base and Ramiro Pena on first base, and on a 2-1 count. The pitcher was Oakland A's starter Gio Gonzalez, who will be always remembered for inducing Yankees great and future hall of Famer Derek Jeter to hit a groundball to second baseman Mark Ellis, who tossed the ball to shortstop Cliff Pennington, who then threw to first baseman Daric Barton- doubleplay.

It was the 223rd time in Jeter's illustrious career that he grounded into a double play, tying him with Bernie Williams for most GIDPs in Yankees history. The next GIDP will propel Jeter beyond Williams for sole possession of 1st place. Jeter can add this one to his other great Yankees accomplishments- most at-bats, most plate appearances, most singles, most hits, most hit by pitch, and most outs made.

You may remember his very first GIDP- Tuesday, April 16, 1996. It was in Milwaukee, against the then-AL team, the Brewers. It ended the game, in what was a 6-3 loss. Future Hall of Famer Wade Boggs was on first base with one out and Jeter was facing future Yankee lefty specialist Graham Lloyd. Jeter hit a 2-1 pitch to shortstop Jose Valentin who tossed to second baseman Pat Listach and on to first baseman John Jaha. Little did they know that they were a part of history in the making.

So what's next for Jeter after he passes Williams? More GIDPs, certainly. Jeter is in second place in these categories-- behind Mickey Mantle in most games played (2401-2220), behind Lou Gehrig in most doubles (534-454), behind Mickey Mantle in most strikeouts (1710-1518), and behind Rickey Henderson in most stolen bases (326-314).